Jordan Conley, LCSW-C

“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.” -Bessel van der Kolk

Healing Work

Therapy with me: The most important component in any therapy is the relationship a client has with their therapist. I strive to build an authentic, genuine, and positive therapeutic relationship with my clients. It is important to me that I create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space that encourages healing and growth. Beginning the process of bringing yourself, family, or child to therapy is not always easy. I recognize how difficult it is to begin the therapy process and strive to make it a place for an individual to be their genuine self.  I have worked primarily with children utilizing an approach that is person-centered and rooted in the principles of play therapy. I enjoy the use of interventions that are more hands on and uses your creative side. Through art, play, and other interventions, I hope to create a positive therapeutic relationship with you and your child.

My impacting identifies/roles that inform my work: I am white, Christian, cisgender, heterosexual, and I identify as a woman. I understand that these identities have provided me with privileges and opportunities that others are not afforded. I will never fully understand the oppression, discrimination, and challenges that others have experienced. I am committed to continue learning about the experiences of others, the larger systemic issues that enforces oppression, as well as advocating for those who are discriminated against.

I feel informed and knowledgeable about: Much of my background in my practice is rooted in play therapy. I am in the process of becoming a Registered Play Therapist and recognize the healing powers of play. I am knowledgeable about child development and ways children can be impacted my mental health challenges and trauma. I additionally am informed about how trauma can have an impact on one’s physical health, mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. I would consider myself knowledgeable on the following presenting challenges that individuals may be struggling with:

-Anxiety
-Attachment Issues
Children experiencing divorce/parental conflict
-Grief
-History of trauma
-History of sexual abuse

I work best with clients who: I work best with clients who are ready to commit, participate, and be flexible with the therapeutic process. I often like to think the client is the one doing the work and I just possess the space/tools that encourage the growth and healing process!

I am not a good clinical fit for clients who: I would not be a good fit for clients who are not ready to commit to the process, families who are not ready to be actively involved in their child’s therapy, and individuals/families looking for a “quick fix”. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and we only spend a brief time together weekly. Especially in work with children, it is important to involve parents when appropriate to help support the process of change and growth. Therapy requires commitment to and participation in the process. I would not be a good fit for clients looking to navigate the following challenges:

-Challenges with executive functioning skills
-Eating disorders/disordered eating
-Substance use/abuse

What makes me unique: I really enjoy working with young children, having experience seeing children as young as 2. When I first began my career as a therapist, I remember specifically saying that I did not want to work with young children. I have since found a passion for working with little ones and their families as they navigate challenges and trauma. I additionally really enjoy working closely with parents, when appropriate, to provide the tools needed to support their children at home. The saying “It takes a village” resonates for me personally and professionally, and I want to help provide others with the tools that will help support a child at home.

Learning and Growing

Some of the ways I am continuing to learn and grow professionally and personally is through my own therapy, reading, continuing education, and by being open to new experiences.

Fun Facts/Resilience Building 

I used to be a collegiate athlete! Sports still are a big part of my life. I am a coach for a lacrosse team and love to exercise. In addition to exercise, I love to travel, read, and cook. Outside of my role of being a therapist, I have a loving fiancé, family, and a cat (who has extra toes!).

Education

-Master of Social Work (MSW) University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work (2022)

-Bachelor of Science in Human Services, York College of Pennsylvania

Certifications/Trainings/What I’m Reading Currently 

-Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C)

-Multi-Modal Attachment Therapy Certified Levels 1, 2, and 3

-Currently in the process of becoming a Registered Play Therapist

I am currently reading The Gift of Therapy (by Irvin D. Yalom)